Can Precum Cause Pregnancy?

So many of you swear by the pull-out method, but how effective is it? Read along to find out more.

What many people don't know is that before ejaculation, a small amount of fluid called pre-ejaculate (pre cum) is released. This happens involuntarily and even the most careful timing cannot guarantee protection. 

What needs to be inferred is that pre-ejaculation can contain sperm, which means it can potentially cause pregnancy. 

We are going to break this down for you so that you can make a more informed decision regarding birth control. 

What is Precum?

Precum is a natural fluid that occurs during sexual arousal. It's a clear, sticky liquid that appears at the tip of the penis when things heat up. The amount can range from just a drop or two to as much as 5 milliliters, depending on the level of arousal. 

Pre cum expresses excitement but it's not the same as sperm produced in the testicles because pre-ejaculation comes from  Cowper's glands which, unlike the prostate, don't produce sperm. 

Can Precum Cause Pregnancy?

The answer is YES! Even though the chances are relatively lower as compared to normal ejaculation, the risk is not zero. 

Pre-ejaculation fluid may contain sperm. While there's no guarantee, these secret swimmers may still be present and may lead to pregnancy. 

This might happen if there's sperm left over from a previous ejaculation. It may float around in your urethra the next time you're aroused and mix with the precum. After all, it only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg, and if that sperm happens to be in your precum, pregnancy is possible.

Is Precum Harmful For Health?

No, precum is not harmful to your health, it helps make sex smoother and more enjoyable!

• One of the main roles of precum is to neutralize the acidity of the urethra. This is because urine can leave behind acidic residues and sperm cannot thrive in this environment. Precum balances the pH to create a sperm-friendly environment during ejaculation. 

• Precum contains glycoproteins that provide natural moisture during intercourse. This makes the experience more comfortable and enjoyable for both partners

How to Reduce the Risk of Pregnancy from Precum?

Although the chances of pregnancy from precum are a bit lower than with complete ejaculation, it is still possible. To minimise this risk, you can use these methods: 

• Condoms are your best friend to prevent both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). There are two types of condoms:

These are worn on the penis and are significantly effective when used perfectly. 

These are inserted into the vagina and also protect against pregnancy. 

• In addition to condoms, other birth control methods such as hormonal pills, IUDs, and implants also provide excellent pregnancy prevention, however, they do not protect against STIs. Therefore, it is advisable to use these methods alongside condom use. 

• If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy after unprotected sex or a condom accident, you can take emergency contraception within a few days to prevent pregnancy. It's a great backup option if something goes wrong. You must get in touch with your healthcare provider to figure out which emergency contraception should be administered to you and in what quantities. 

Conclusion

To encapsulate, precum can cause pregnancy, but with a few caveats. While the risk might be lower, there is still a chance. 

Contraceptive methods are not foolproof, and since precum is involuntary, timing alone might not always work. 

We hope that all the above-mentioned information will empower you to make an informed and smart decision about birth control.